Why Hungary pays couples to have babies | The Global Story
Global fertility rates are at record lows globally, and governments around the world are urging couples to grow their families. Under Viktor Orbán’s leadership, Hungary
Global fertility rates are at record lows globally, and governments around the world are urging couples to grow their families. Under Viktor Orbán’s leadership, Hungary implemented some of the most aggressive pro-natalist policies in the world — including generous subsidies for couples who promise to have children, lengthy paid maternity leave, and thousands of dollars in interest-free loans.
But does paying people to have kids actually work? We speak to BBC populations correspondent Stephanie Hegarty about the possibilities and limitations of pro-natalist government policies. For the latest news download the BBC News app or visit BBC.com/news Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:05 Why Hungary is paying couples to have babies 07:24 Global fertility at record low levels 08:11 How did Hungary get into this position?
14:11 Will the new government in Hungary carry on the policy? 16:48 Do financial incentives to have children actually work? 23:30 How do we improve
global fertility rates?